Document Type
Capstone Experience
Graduation Date
8-2023
Degree Name
Master of Public Health
Department
Health Promotion
First Committee Member
Dr Raikes, Hilary Abbie PhD
Second Committee Member
Dr Tibbits, Melissa PhD
Third Committee Member
Dr Maloney, Shannon PhD
Fourth Committee Member
Dr Strong, Michelle Shelley PhD, MPH
Abstract
Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are conditions that are present at birth and can affect the structure of an infant’s heart and the way it works. Millions of children are born each year with congenital heart disease yet screening for CHD is not practiced in Low- and Middle-income countries (LMICs). Studies on access to healthcare for infants with congenital heart disease have not kept pace. This literature review centers on the role of congenital heart disease in infant mortality, its burden, incidence and prevalence in LMICs. The databases of PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase were searched and the selected articles for review were from 2011 to 2023 and had infant mortality, CHD and LMICs as key words. CHD is more prevalent in countries with low resources, income and economic instability. Policy makers should advocate for and implement policies such as prenatal screening and newborn pre-discharge screening. Collaborations and partnerships between non-governmental organizations, pediatricians, parents and caregivers of infants with CHD will strengthen health care systems in LMICs.
Recommended Citation
Odo, Helen Nneoma, "The Relationship Between Congenital Heart Disease and Infant Mortality in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Comprehensive Literature Review" (2023). Capstone Experience. 278.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/coph_slce/278